The Transfer Tavern

Introducing: Luka Milivojevic as Crystal Palace’s Mr Reliable

Assessing Crystal Palace’s squad, Wilfried Zaha is clearly the standout individual, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s importance for the Eagles has increased significantly this season.

Away from the Crystal Palace homegrown duo, though, Luka Milivojevic has also become central to manager Roy Hodgson’s plans.

Albeit the south London club’s recent clash against rivals Brighton ended in defeat, it was a game where Milivojevic, once again, showed his worth.

For a so-called derby, Milivojevic looked like one of just a couple of players who were actually up for it with all of the 27-year-old’s strengths on display that day.

He was as calm and composed as ever when it came to dispatching away his penalty, his eighth of the Premier League season and ninth goal overall, while his all-round midfield play was efficient.

Like throughout most of the campaign, Milivojevic won tackles, was secure in possession and provided a lot energy in the middle of the park.

There are perhaps a couple areas where Milivojevic can still improve, though Serbian football scout Goran Milosavljevic believes he has the ability to do just that, even going so far as to say the former Olympiacos man can become like Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

“I think yes. I know Luka very well,” Milosavljevic told Tribal Football when asked if he thought Milivojevic could one day play for a bigger club than Crystal Palace. I [conduct] personal training and I once trained with Luka for three or four months for every day.

“He has many qualities. But I explained to Luka to look at Steven Gerrard. He can do the same but he needs somebody to push him because he must make many sprints at 100 per cent.”

Having become so reliable and consistent, though, Crystal Palace supporters will be desperate for the Serbia international to remain at Selhurst Park, especially if the club cannot keep hold of Zaha and Wan-Bissaka in the summer.